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Practice Policies

For clients of Shulamit Ber Levtov, MSW RSW

Hi, and welcome.

This document outlines how I work, what you can expect, and what I ask of you in return. It reflects my commitment to ethical care, transparency, and the standards set by the Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers.

You’re welcome to bring any questions to our sessions. (Please note: the version you sign is the legally binding form. This version is a reference.)

What I Offer

I provide counselling to women entrepreneurs. I bring a trauma-informed, emotionally attuned, and business-aware approach to my work.

Together, we’ll work at your pace to explore what’s been hard, reconnect with your inner wisdom, and support meaningful change in your business and your life.

The work we will do together is focused on supporting you, as a small business owner, with your emotional, mental and financial well being. Yes, life and business intersect and affect one another, and we will attend to those intersections, and business and money will be our focus. Although I am a Registered Social Worker in the province of Ontario, I do not provide psychotherapy or social work services to clients outside Ontario.

We will be engaging in counselling, meaning that:

1) I support you to explore the issues you bring forward and find solutions, and to identify both the strengths and needs you bring to any situation.

2) I provide you with resources and information relating to the issues you bring forward, and will explore and teach a variety of coping strategies.

The frameworks guiding our work together are rooted in the following non-clinical certifications and training: Certified Trauma of Money facilitator; Certified Resilience coach; Certified Inner Relationship Focusing Professional; Certified Trainer in Nonviolent Communication; Dare to Lead™ trained; Coaching Way (Tara Mohr) trained; Master of Arts in Counselling and Spirituality.

Fees, Cancellations & Payment Policies

This is where people often get confused, so I want you to have a clear reference to come back to.

Payment

  • You provide a valid payment method at your first session. I’ll check in with you before saving it securely on file.
  • You pay at or before each session.
  • If you haven’t paid for a previous session, I’ll pause scheduling until the balance is cleared.
  • I provide receipts for each session that can be used for insurance reimbursement (for Ontario residents).

Cancellations & No-Shows

  • You must give at least 48 hours’ notice to cancel or reschedule a session.
  • If you cancel with less than 48 hours’ notice—or miss your session—I charge the full session fee.
  • This policy is about intended to ensure sustainability of time, money and energy for both of us.

How to Cancel

  • Use the link in your reminder or confirmation email, or leave a voicemail at 613-868-9642.
  • My office number can’t receive texts.
  • I don’t accept cancellations by email.
  • If you cancel late (with less than 48 hours’ notice) or don’t show up, I’ll check in with you, then charge the payment method on file.

Virtual Sessions

Sessions are conducted via a secure video platform. Please ensure you’re in a private space where you won’t be interrupted.

If we run into tech issues, I’ll call the number on file. If we can’t reconnect, we’ll reschedule.

Record Keeping & Privacy

I use a secure electronic health records platform (Cliniko) to schedule appointments, store session notes, and host virtual sessions.

Your information is private and confidential. I’ll only release it with your written consent, unless required by law due to:

  • Imminent risk of harm to yourself or others
  • Concern about abuse or neglect of someone under 16
  • A court order requiring disclosure

I also share de-identified material in supervision, to ensure ethical and effective care.

You can review my Privacy Policy and Cliniko’s Privacy Policy for more details.

Communication Between Sessions

I do not provide crisis support.

In an emergency, please call 911 or your local crisis line.

Leave a confidential voicemail at 613-868-9642. I respond within 48 business hours.

I do not receive or respond to text messages.

If you choose to email, know it’s not secure. I’ll acknowledge your message, but I won’t respond in depth. We’ll talk about it in session.

I don’t accept or respond to messages through social media.

Communication Between Sessions

I do not provide crisis support.

In an emergency, please call 911 or your local crisis line.

Leave a confidential voicemail at 613-868-9642. I respond within 48 business hours.

I do not receive or respond to text messages.

If you choose to email, know it’s not secure. I’ll acknowledge your message, but I won’t respond in depth. We’ll talk about it in session.

I don’t accept or respond to messages through social media.

Relationship & Boundaries

Sometimes we may encounter each other outside of sessions. We’ll talk together about how to handle this in a way that respects your privacy.

I don’t friend, follow, or message clients through social media, as this could compromise your confidentiality.

Feedback & Conflict

I welcome your feedback, whether something’s working well or not.

If something feels off and we can’t resolve it together, you’re welcome to invite a third-party facilitator into the conversation. If needed, I can suggest someone.

You also have the right to contact the Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers at
www.ocswssw.org or toll-free at 1-877-828-9380.

In Case of Emergency (Mine, Not Yours)

I have a professional will. If I become suddenly unable to work, a trusted colleague will step in to contact you and help support next steps. They will access your file for this purpose only.